The Fiji Airways Flying Fijians have lost to Tonga 27-19 in their test match at Churchill Park with Coach John McKee saying the Tongans won the physical battle in the match which forced Fiji to make errors.
McKee said there were about six line breaks made by Fiji in the game which amounted to nothing.
He says there is also a need for players to support the ball carrier in contact.
Tonga scored the first try of the match in the 19th minute through Paula Ngauamo and with the conversion successful, Tonga took a 7-0 lead.
Fiji had a great chance to score but winger Nemani Nadolo knocked the ball on with the try line in front of him.
Fijian half-back, Frank Lomani scored Fiji’s first try and Ben Volavola was successful with the conversion.
Fiji applied tremendous pressure towards the end of the first half but the Tongan defence stood tall.
First half done! #FIJvTON #FlyingFijians pic.twitter.com/1Ucg7urZoa
— Fiji Rugby Union (@fijirugby) June 23, 2018
Tonga scored the first try of the second half and successfully converted their try to lead 14-7.
Vereniki Goneva scored a brilliant try as he powered his way through the Tonga’s defence to score in the corner and the conversion was unsuccessful by Ben Volavola, Tonga led 14-12.
Former 7s rep, Viliame Mata scored a solo try as he raced away from his own half after he received an offload from Jale Vatubua.
Volavola was successful with the conversion as Fiji took a 19-14 lead.
Tonga reduced the deficit to 19-17 as they scored a long range penalty. They then scored another penalty to take a 20-19 lead.
The Tongan’s scored the final try in the final minutes of the game and converted it successfully to seal the game with a 27-19 win.
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